Let’s Talk Shaved Legs

Back in April we did a post called “Let’s Talk Cycling Laundry” and it generated a nice conversation of comments, suggestions, and tips for all of us to enjoy. We’re at it again, and this time we’re talking shaved legs.

Once again, this post is all about you and we want you to give us all you can on the subject. Have a look at the video below and then leave your comments, ideas, and basically anything you’d like us to know about your thoughts on shaved legs.

38 Responses to “ Let’s Talk Shaved Legs ”

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I shave my legs. I ride competitively with some racing and more group rides. I consider other male riders with shaved legs while riding and immediately categorize them as experienced riders. I shave my legs because I assume that I am considered by others the same way. Shaved legs say to me that the owner is a serious rider and has a passion and dedication for the sport. They say the same thing of me. For the record my wife hates it.

I don’t do leg shaving, I don’t see any logic by doings so. But people has different perception to things so we must respect it. During cycling training, I really don’t see if there is some need for leg shaving.

I am not sure about shaving the legs thing. I do know that it’s strangely sensual to wear cycling shorts under a summer weight wool blend suit, maybe the shaved legs would give me that silky smooth feeling all the time.

I don’t shave my legs. I’m far from a pro cyclist, don’t get intense leg massages, and so far (knock on wood) have not really had any road rash issues (I’m sure I will at some point). I do kind of think the “peer pressure” aspect of it is kind of funny. Sure, you’re wearing skin-tight spandex already, what could make you look more manly than shaved legs! Whatever makes you happy riding, I guess.

I shave. Why? Mostly because it is like the “secret handshake”, it signifies (to me, at least) that I am a cyclist. A rite of passage. At first the wife hated it, but she’s warmed up to it. She’s used to me having smoother legs than her 😉

I have been shaving mine for a few years and Mrs. Rob hates it. Love teasing her about it every chance I get it. I do believe there are advantages but was once told by a coach that if you are serious about racing you will shave! I have teammates that race at higher levels than I do who do not shave and one just wrecked and I know what he is in store for. When hair get’s ripped out and then grows back in road rash it really hurts!

The usual argument I hear for shaving legs are:
Your more aero – False
It makes it easier to massage the legs – True
It makes it easier to clean up road rash – True
Helps to keep you cooler – Maybe
Makes you look intimidating – If you have muscles to prove it

Yea i second all that – it’s more about the massage and road rash issue. same for women but we have less/less thick hair than men. but yea, when you have muslce, there ain’t nothin’ sexier to me #justsayin

I’m a shaver and for these 2 reasons in order:
1) much easier to clean up road rash
2) it immediately tells other riders that you “belong” –mind you I normally ride alone during the week and on weekends I usually hit my local bike shop’s group ride, but as a gigging musician I’m often on the road and I look for a group rides–on these rides having shaved legs identifies you as someone that can be trusted in a paceline, that can be trusted to take a turn pulling up front, that can be trusted to point out hazards, etc

This is the first person to comment on the real reason why male bike racers shave. Yes I said it was sexy, but that was sort of a tongue-in-cheek comment. Talk to any guy who has crashed once and tried to clean up the road rash afterwards and they never quit shaving as long as they ride a bike.

Well I’m a women & like you said I’ll shave anyways hehe but I do think men shoould shave as well if they are going for lycra shorts. It looks sexy and cleaner. A few saturdays ago I was in a group ride and at some point I was behing this guy with a hairy butt wearing a light colored bibshorts and it was just disgusting to see his hairy butt LOL I quickly searched for another more pleasent to look ‘wheel’. Im just saying. 😉

I’m still what I consider a beginner cyclist and I don’t shave my legs. I’m a somewhat hairy guy, specially in the lower back area, so it would be really weird to have my legs shaven, but having hair everywhere else.

My husband is quite a hairy chap and always threatens to shave his legs, I’m not so keen as I think he’d look a tad daft with shaven legs and hairy everywhere else. I also think he’d be more ‘aero’ if he lost some of his belly 😉 we had discussed whether he’d shave up to knees or to include thighs but we didn’t have a conclusion.
Will be interesting to hear from others!

IMHO shaving legs does nothing for a cyclist’s aerodynamics (nor runners for that matter)–however swimmers do see a benefit. For performance concerns weight management is critical. For the reason I noted I do shave, and I forgot to mention that I do also include my thighs–just kind of finishes things off I suppose 😉

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out. Have you tried either of these? Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.